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Workhorse rolls out new walk-in

Workhorse Custom Chassis launched a new walk-in truck this week at the Work Truck Show of the National Truck Equipment Assn., dubbed thee W62

David Cullen, executive editor | Mar 09, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS. Workhorse Custom Chassis launched a new walk-in truck this week here at the Work Truck Show of the National Truck Equipment Assn. Dubbed thee W62, the new truck –with chassis by Workhorse and body by either Morgan Olson or Utilimaster-- extends the capacity of the Workhorse walk-in lineup with 19,500-lb and 23,500-lb. GVWR models.

According to Jay Sandler vp of commercial products for Workhorse, the W62 will initially be offered with a GM Vortec 8.1-liter V8 gasoline engine mated to a five-speed Allison 1000HS (for 19,500 lb. GVWR) or Allison 2200HS (for 23,500 lb. GVWR) transmission. The big block Vortec produces 310 horsepower and 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Sandler stated that Workhorse is the only chassis manufacturer to power a gas walk-in at these GVWRs. And by mid-summer, the W62 will also be available powered by an International MaxxForce 5 V6 diesel engine.

“We’re very excited about these new choices in the heavier-duty segment of walk-in truck use,” he said. “It puts us in what we see as a growing segment of the walk-in market. For truck owners, it provides another choice to help them achieve the best fit for their needs.”

Sandler noted that, with the higher cost of diesel fuel, and ’07 emissions compliant diesel engines, fleets are taking a new look at gas engines. “Modern gas engines are no longer that far behind diesels in terms of longevity and maintenance. They are emissions compliant everywhere. They’re less expensive and they weigh less, so you have more payload capacity. If you’re putting less than 25,000 miles a year on the truck, and particularly if it sits for stretches at job sites, gas is a viable option, even for those with higher GVWR needs.”

He pointed out that with the addition of the W62, Workhorse has “far and away the broadest lineup of walk-in trucks of any manufacturer.” Once the diesel W62 is available, Workhorse will offer both gas and diesel choices for GVWRs ranging from 9,400 lbs. to 23,500 lbs., with wheelbases from 125 in to 218 in. The W62 comes with wheelbases of 157, 178, 190, 208 and 218 in.

The W62 incorporates a number of features developed for the Workhorse W42 k, which was launched two years ago and covers GVWRs from 9,400 to 16,000 lbs. These features include:

Meritor Quadraulic brakes — four wheel disc brakes with four pistons at each caliper. The braking system also includes Wabco 4-channel ABS system with full J-1939 diagnostic capability.

Standard 225/70 19.5-in tires with a 245/70 19.5-in option on steel wheels in black, gray or white. Mud/snow treads are also an option for the rear tires.

Two-leaf parabolic springs coupled with premium gas shock absorbers. “These springs provide a very good ride quality and at the same time contribute to a lighter chassis and more payload capacity,” said Sandler.

“The 8.1 liter Vortec with the Allison transmission is a powerful performance package for this classification,” added Sandler. “With these kind of choices now available, we think we can better serve current walk-in users and also encourage potential customers to take a new look at what our walk-in truck can do for them.”